‘Tis the season of giving; that time for pretty paper, ribbons, and happy surprises. ‘Tis also the perfect time to recognize those who give the greatest gift of all — the gift of service, of dedication, and of inspiration.

The day she turned 90, Helen McGirr of Clairemont gave someone else a present. She turned over her red Honda Civic to a granddaughter. “I don’t think someone 90 years old or so should drive,” McGirr, now 92, said recently. “Our reflexes aren’t as good, our eyesight and hearing aren’t as good.”Click here to read the full article.

With its annual Inspire Awards, AARP The Magazine salutes outstanding individuals who are using their energy, creativity, and passion to make the world a better place. In December 2009, AARP The Magazine editor Nancy Perry Graham and CBS sports announcer and AARP Community Ambassador James Brown hosted a reception and dinner tribute for honorees.

ITNBluegrass Executive Director Gale Reece with Bill and Debbie Turenne at the 2009 AARP Inspire Awards. ITNAmerica Executive Director Katherine Freund was honored for her work on behalf of older Americans at the National Museum for Woman in the Arts in Washington, DC on December 8.

“These leaders set a great example for all on how passion can support and spark change in creative, innovative ways. Their stories are truly inspiring,” said Nancy Graham, Vice President and Editor of AARP The Magazine.